Director Miller's "Leader's Intent" for 2022 Fire Season
During the 2021 fire season, Idaho experienced unprecedented fire conditions, meeting or exceeding nearly every metric for rating fire danger. The extended high temperatures and lack of spring moisture led to historically low fuel moisture levels. Experts say that conditions in our forests last summer were as dire as those faced in August of 1910 when the “Big Burn” consumed more than 3,000,000 acres of timberland in northern Idaho and western Montana.
Fires roared across northern and north central Idaho in early July and endured into the early fall. The sheer volume of fire activity on the landscape led to resources shortages for all wildland fire suppression agencies in the northern Rockies.
On top of extreme conditions and resource shortages, for the second season we adapted operations to address additional risks created by the COVID-19 pandemic, all while fighting wildfires under our protection safely yet aggressively. I appreciate the professional attitude of our team in taking the pandemic and risk of transmission seriously.
To call the 2021 fire season challenging is an understatement.
Last summer, our firefighters rose to the challenge and performed their duties safely and admirably. Resources were brought in under contract to augment our capabilities, and to assist even further, Governor Little mobilized the Idaho National Guard, providing vital aviation and manpower support to our crews. Like always, non-fire personnel from across IDL answered the call and helped in any capacity they could. Last season truly was a team effort. I’m proud of our team, and grateful for everyone pulling together to get the job done safely.
Idaho is changing, presenting new challenges for wildfire suppression. Forest health conditions, drought and an ever-expanding wildland-urban interface all present increased risks for fire personnel. A growing population and expanding recreational use of forests and rangeland increases the potential for unwanted human-caused fires.
Preparing for the future and modernizing our fire management program so that we can maintain our high success rate on initial attack remains a high priority for IDL. Over the past two years, with the support of the Governor, Land Board and the Idaho Legislature, we have secured additional equipment, permanent fireline leadership positions, and more competitive pay for our firefighters, including hazard differential pay and paid rest and recuperation.
Idaho, like most of the west has been experiencing ongoing drought conditions. The late spring snow and rain in many parts of Idaho has certainly helped improved our outlook, but if the risks and prevalence of fire in other western states foreshadows expectations for Idaho, we must be prepared. As such, it is imperative that IDL’s fire managers continue to exercise good judgement when leading crews on and off the fireline, relying heavily on their experience, leadership, and decision-making skills.
The safety, health and well-being of our firefighters is undeniably our top priority. I expect that crew fatigue be monitored closely, work-to rest-ratios be adhered to, COVID protocols on incidents be followed, and safe driving practices be the norm. I want everyone coming home safe and healthy after their shifts and fire assignments.
Like other first responders, firefighters face challenging, dangerous, and draining situations. Their strenuous duties put them at increased risk of trauma, which can lead to behavioral health issues like depression, PTST, and even suicide. Mental health is still health, and I ask that you please check in on each other during the fire season and during the off season.
For this fire season, here are two important messages to emphasize:
#1 – Safety is THE top priority. For pre-suppression and fire suppression activities, there is nothing more important than the safety of fire personnel and the citizens we serve.
#2 – Idahoans expect us to suppress fires quickly and efficiently in a fiscally responsible manner. This expectation is codified in law under the Idaho Forestry Act (I.C. Title 38, Chapter 1). Citizens and industry count on us to reduce the impacts of wildfire on valuable resources and communities.
Additionally, IDL Line Officers should ensure that safe and aggressive fire suppression objectives are incorporated into every Delegation of Authority or Leader’s Intent when an incident management team (IMT) is utilized to manage fires that threaten the lands we protect. IDL’s Fire Management Handbook (Policy #800) states, “fire suppression shall be fast, energetic, thorough, and conducted with a high degree of regard for personnel safety.”
I’ll close with the reminder that all fire personnel are responsible for safety on and off the fireline. Please rely on your training, experience, and best judgement to enable safe and effective decision making. Exercise good judgement with your suppression tactics and ensure strong interagency cooperation and communication. Remember, you are a part of something greater than yourself, and the IDL fire program is held in high regard. This is where it is to remain.
Thank you all for your service and the work you do to protect Idaho’s citizens and natural resources from the damaging effects of wildfire and know that you have my support. Please be safe, be alert and take care of each other.
Sincerely,
Dustin T. Miller
Director
Abuse Results in Closure of Popular Recreation Area
The popular East Fork of Rock Creek recreation area will be closed by IDL beginning next Wednesday, June 15, due to abuse by people recreating on the parcel.
This area is managed by the Idaho Department of Lands to generate funding for the Public School Endowment. It is located four miles east of Rockland.
IDL staff discovered on Tuesday that after moderate weekend use, users continued to leave significant amounts of human waste and trash at the site, and UTVs going off trail damaged the area, leading to an increased risk of erosion.
Because abusive behavior damaged the land and diminished its ability to generate revenue for public schools, the area is now closed to camping and UTVs indefinitely. Walk in day use is still permitted provided people stop leaving human waste and trash are in the area.
Last year IDL experienced similar problems in the East Fork of Rock Creek area and launched an educational media campaign, letting visitors know there would be not restroom or trash service and that the popular area was at risk of closing due to abuse of the land. Signs asking users to respect the land were also posted in the area last year and again this spring when it opened.
IDL Article for IGPA Magazine
Director Miller wrote an article for the Idaho Grain Producers Association Summer edition magazine that hit mailboxes on Monday. The article is titled Idaho Department of Lands, Ag Producers, Have Much in Common. It explains the endowment mission and provides information on grain growing on endowment land. IDL fire protection was mentioned with the 2020's Bedrock Fire used as an example.
Read IGPA article
Director Miller Attends ICA Summer Round Up, UI CNR Board Meeting
This week Director Miller attended the Idaho Cattle Association's Summer Round Up in Pocatello. The event included discussions about the history and future of Idaho's fencing laws, public lands, and how our state's growing population is changing Idaho's political landscape.
He also participated in a University of Idaho College of Natural Resources board meeting in Kellogg. IDL's director serves as an ex officio member of the college's board.
Governor Little Nominated Tyre Holfeltz to Serve on National Wildfire Mitigation and Management Commission
Governor Little nominated Tyre Holfeltz, who manages IDL's wildfire mitigation programs, to serve on the national Wildfire Mitigation and Management Commission.
Last December, the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, the Interior, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the formation a commission charged with helping develop federal policy recommendations and strategies on ways to better prevent, manage, suppress and recover from wildfires. The commission represents federal agencies, state, local, and tribal governments, as well as the private sector. The recommendations will be submitted as part of reports to Congress as required by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Share the PSA
In the last update you read about a Public Service Announcement created in collaboration with Idaho Forest Products Commissioner and Governor Little that encourages the support of efforts to Thin the Threat of wildfire.
The PSA was sent to radio and television media throughout Idaho this week, and we encourage you to share the video version on your social media. Also attached is the news release that went out Monday.
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